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Brahmi

Date10th century
MediumLimestone
DimensionsOverall: 16 1/2 × 11 × 4 in. (41.9 × 28 × 10.2 cm)
Credit LineFriends of Art Fund
Object number1965.20
Status
On view
More Information
Brahmi, or Brahmani, is a form of Devī (The Goddess) understood to be the shakti, or dynamic power, of Brahmā, the god of creation. Like Brahmā she has four faces (the one to the rear is not visible) symbolizing universal knowledge, and four arms that represent universal power. Her two forward arms once formed the symbolic gestures (mudrā) of fearlessness (right, palm forward fingers up) and generosity (left, palm forward, fingers down). Her upper arms hold attributes of Brahmā, the upper right a ladle (sruk) used in offerings and the upper left a brush of kusa grass, both of which refer to sacrifice. Below her is the vehicle of Brahmā and Brahmi, the haṃsa, often translated as swan or goose.

Brahmi is one of a group of warrior goddesses known as the Seven Mothers (saptamātṝkāh), and this sculpture was probably part of a larger relief sculpture that represented all of the goddesses.
Exhibition History
When Words Meet Pictures: East Asian Painting and Sculpture
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (August 25, 1994 - November 15, 1994 )
Collections
  • On View
  • Asian
This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator. Noticed a mistake? Have some extra information about this object? Please contact us.
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